Monster Discussion #36: MechaGodzilla (Showa)

[TokyoVigilante]

According to one of the Editors for the Godzilla license at IDW, the rule is that Toho wants the monster being used with its appropriate origin. Mechagodzilla is a good example of this; you are not allowed to have the Showa Mechagodzilla (whom is an alien war machine) being used in the role of an Earth-made super weapon. Since Mechagodzilla is almost always used in modern media as the Earth-based super weapon, the Heisei design is the go to for that. Kiryu must have some weird circumstance as to why he isn't used.

Note that, in Legends #3, when they show the Simian homeworld building their armada for invasion, they're very clearly constructing Showa-style Mechagodzillas.

This also explains why the GMK design is used at IDW; in KoM, he's an ancient mystical creature, despite being evil. So the Showa design is a no-go.

[Goji]

That's very informative, TVG. Thanks for that. (I haven't picked up any of the IDW comics just yet).

[TokyoVigilante]

That's very informative, TVG. Thanks for that. (I haven't picked up any of the IDW comics just yet).

The Legends mini-series is wonderful and I highly recommend them. The covers in particular will make a great display on my wall once I have all of them and don't require any previous knowledge of anything to jump into. Gangsters & Goliath's is also a solid and fantastically original Godzilla story. Their ongoing is hit/miss, mostly on the miss side.

As for Showa Mechagodzilla, he's easily my favorite versions of the character and I always love seeing attempts at bringing out those classic and distinct elements of this design into a more modern look. Some of the concept art for the Heisei Mechagodzilla really draws from his incarnation (in particular that art poster).

[Primevalgodzilla V2]

Since Mechagodzilla is almost always used in modern media as the Earth-based super weapon, the Heisei design is the go to for that. Kiryu must have some weird circumstance as to why he isn't used.

I'm guessing that's because Kiryu loses 90% of his charcater if he isn't Godzilla.

[TokyoVigilante]

Since Mechagodzilla is almost always used in modern media as the Earth-based super weapon, the Heisei design is the go to for that. Kiryu must have some weird circumstance as to why he isn't used.

I'm guessing that's because Kiryu loses 90% of his charcater if he isn't Godzilla.

If I was to hazard to a guess, Toho might require the whole Kiryu thing be elaborated on and that isn't economical for story purposes. Or atleast be "cyborg" and not just "big robot".

[SmogMonster]

Heisei Mechagodzilla is superior to Kiryu in almost every conceivable way, from design to origin to execution. Its no wonder Toho uses him as the "default" Mechagodzilla and seems to have practically forgot Kiryu altogether.

But the Showa incarnation is fantastic and easily my favorite of the three.

[TokyoVigilante]

I find the origin to be fan-servicey and overall not executed to its strongest potential. But I find the design of Kiryu to be wonderful. The Heisei Mechagodzilla is excessively smooth and just generally bland. I love the technical detailing that Kiryu has; it feels more like a legitimate weapon then the glossy plastic look that the nineties Mechagodzilla has.

[Primevalgodzilla V2]

I liked MG's 'smooth'- its the kind of look I'd expect a futuristic (which MG essentially was) MG to have.

[TokyoVigilante]

I liked MG's 'smooth'- its the kind of look I'd expect a futuristic (which MG essentially was) MG to have.

I expected something more rickety looking from reverse engineered Future technology; not something that is seemingly more advanced looking then the source.

It makes sense for the "trade mark" weapon the Plasma Grenade to have a smooth surface to better absorb direct energy attacks; but it still makes for a bland design.

[Primevalgodzilla V2]

But if he was more rickety-looing than MKG he wouldn't look particularly futuristic, no? It does represent more accurately the direction of technology- its not turning into Bay-formers but smoothening to the iPhone.

[Goji]

Heisei Mechagodzilla is superior to Kiryu in almost every conceivable way, from design to origin to execution.

No, not really. The Heisei MG is easily the blandest of the three as far as design. As for his origin...he's a giant robot built by human beings. Rivetting.

[SmogMonster]

Heisei Mechagodzilla is superior to Kiryu in almost every conceivable way, from design to origin to execution.

No, not really. The Heisei MG is easily the blandest of the three as far as design. As for his origin...he's a giant robot built by human beings. Rivetting.

I like the sleek simplicity of the design. Kiryu's design reminds me of an anime robot and doesnt appeal to me as much. I know Im in the minority on that one though. Hesei Mechagodzilla was constructed using Futurian technology salvaged from the remains of Mecha-King Ghidorah after it was realized something more powerful than the Garuda was needed. Much more interesting to me than the JSDF going "hey! A new Godzilla as appeared! Let's drudge up the bones of the 54 Godzilla (which should be non-existent but we'll just completely remake the ending of the original film to suit our plot, tis all cool) and build a bio-robot around them!" Just my opinion.

[Goji]

I think that the film, GODZILLA X MECHAGODZILLA feels like a live action anime, but Kiryu himself doesn't remind me of anything relating to anime at all. He looks what he's supposed to; a new take on the Mechagodzilla character, and I think he succeeds greatly in that department. Meh, we'll just have to agree to disagree there.

At least we can agree that the Showa MG is the bee's knee's, and the most appealing of the three. I seriously miss MG being a bad guy. =/

[SmogMonster]

I actually don't dislike Kiryu at all. I just prefer the Heisei version.

At least we can agree that the Showa MG is the bee's knee's, and the most appealing of the three. I seriously miss MG being a bad guy. =/

Oh absolutely. Nothing will ever top the original. If Toho ever brings MechaG back (and if they ever make more Godzilla films you know they will), he'd better be an alien war machine.

[Big Rab]

The showa Mechagodzilla is my favorite antagonist of the series. As a kid, I was always creeped out by the way it looked and moved. To me, it possessed a fearsome sense of self confidence coupled with smug sense of superiority. It didn't move much compared to other kaiju but when it did move, it was always slow and deliberate and that made it look cold and calculating. The suit itself was evil looking. Its brow made it look angry and as Goji pointed out earlier, its yellow eyes gave it a lifeless, uncaring and merciless gaze. Its mouth, when it was open, gave the impression that it had a devilish smile on its face; almost as if it was enjoying the destruction taking place around him.

Simply the best!

[RedZillaKing]

Though not the best looking version IMO (Kiryu gets that honor), I think that Showa Mechagodzilla was utilized the best. I personally hate the "good guy" aspect of the more recent MGs.

[Tomzilla]

Though not the best looking version IMO (Kiryu gets that honor), I think that Showa Mechagodzilla was utilized the best. I personally hate the "good guy" aspect of the more recent MGs.

Kiryu 2.0 barely has the better look. Barely. I absolutely love Showa MechaGodzilla's look and I love his characterization even more.

Showa MechaGodzilla is what the Terminator wants to be when he grows up. Not many characters can say they made Godzilla bleed while beating the Tanaka out of him. Showa MechaGodzilla can while laughing. I would love to see an evil MechaGodzilla make a return someday.

Kiryu going berserk was a very nostalgic moment. Very reminiscent of Showa MechaGodzilla's classic rampages.